Dear Rabbi Fried, Could you please explain what is accomplished by sitting and eating in a sukkah? We understand it is a mitzvah to do so and the kids love…

Dear Rabbi, What is the literal meaning of “Yom Kippur”? Somehow, the name “Day of Atonement” never connected with me; is that correct or is there some other meaning? Thanks,…

Dear Rabbi Fried, As the High Holidays are approaching, I have this feeling in my gut that it’s going to be like previous years that I’m not really sure what…

Dear Rabbi, I know we don’t confess to rabbis — but I have a confession! Even if I can read some of the prayers on Rosh Hashanah, I still don’t…

Dear Rabbi Fried, I have seen in some of the synagogue updates that this coming Saturday night they are beginning to say “Selichot,” which is something I’ve never heard of…

Dear Rabbi Fried, I have been doing some thinking about my tzedakah giving situation. I’m not in the category of the rich, but I’m certainly very comfortable. I donate money…

Dear Rabbi Fried, I have a number of questions about tzedakah. Please explain its importance, obligation, priorities and the optimal way to fulfill the mitzvah. Joseph L., Plano Dear Joseph,…

Dear Rabbi Fried, Something has bothered me for years with the prayer service and many verses and it never occurred to me to ask someone. If we believe there is…

Dear Rabbi Fried, Can you please explain the meaning of Shabbat Nachamu? I heard in a class that there are three weeks of Haftorah portions leading up to the day…

How does fasting create spiritual connection to G-d? Dear Rabbi Fried, I understand many Jews will be fasting at the end of this three-week period on the day of Tisha…